Charity boss calls for more compassion

The outgoing chief executive of Anglicare WA has urged West Australians to show more compassion for those people worse off, amid growing homelessness, domestic violence and relationship breakdowns.

Ian Carter, who has been at the helm of the charity for almost 24 years, will announce today he will step down from the role on June 30 next year.

He plans to continue to pursue his passion for social justice but felt the time was right for change.

He oversaw the expansion of Anglicare to a Statewide organisation which helps more than 34,000 vulnerable West Australians a year across almost 50 locations.

He said when he first started in 1995 clients were usually victims of either domestic violence, homelessness or relationship breakdowns - whereas now many were victims of all three.

“These days we’re seeing people who’ve got everything going on and their lives are out of control,” he said.

“The growth of the organisation has undoubtedly been in response to an increase in homelessness, financial difficulty, domestic violence, family breakdown,” Mr Carter said.

“However, as demand has grown, the response to help has increased, from new government contracts and increased donations to the passionate and innovative people joining Anglicare WA to make a difference.

“Whether it’s domestic violence, homelessness or relationship breakdowns, they are all growing.”

He said he wanted to see more compassion shown towards WA’s homeless and unemployed.

“There is too much misinformation and silly comments about complex issues from people who haven’t walked a mile in others’ shoes,” Mr Carter said.

“Ninety-five per cent of people on the dole desperately want a job, and young people don’t choose to be living on the streets.”

Mr Carter’s highlights from his time at Anglicare include the Foyer Oxford housing project in Leederville, which is partly funded by BHP, and which helps homeless young people get back on their feet through employment and education.

“It is one of the largest and best facilities of its kind in the world. Ninety two per cent of young people who have left Foyer Oxford in the last four and a half years have exited into independent accommodation,” he said.

He was encouraged by the enthusiasm of young people to help those less fortunate, as evidenced by Anglicare’s School Sleepout last weekend which saw 220 teenagers raise more than $80,000 for homeless youth.

Anglicare WA chairman John Barrington said Mr Carter would leave a lasting legacy.

“Ian’s ultimate success though would have to be in the relationships he’s established and his infectious passion for social justice. He is extremely well-respected by staff and volunteers, as well as government and philanthropic partners,” he said.

“Providing 11 months’ notice for Ian’s departure allows the board to conduct a thorough and rigorous recruitment process for the new CEO, while ensuring operational continuity and stability for the organisation’s staff, volunteers, donors and most importantly, clients.”